Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Process Engineering

Position Summary

The Department of Food Science and Technology at UGA is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to develop a Research and Teaching program in food process engineering.

The successful applicant will provide leadership and scholarship in food processing and food engineering research and teaching. Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to): (1) obtain extramural funds to support research and teaching programs, (2) establish a strong record of scholarly activity, (3) develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Food Science curriculum (this may also include teaching existing classes as assigned), and (4) direct PhD and MS degree students and postdoctoral associates. The candidate will be expected to actively participate in service activities in the Department of Food Science and Technology including participation in global programs. The University of Georgia recognizes and supports interdisciplinary programs. As such, the incumbent will be encouraged to collaborate with other faculty members across the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Family and Consumer Sciences. Possible areas of research may include (but not limited to) novel thermal and non-thermal food processing technologies, improving efficiencies in food processing, and minimizing food losses in food processing and storage across the supply chain, innovative engineering, processing, and packaging approaches for addressing challenges of food safety, sustainability, and food waste.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must send: (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) graduate school transcripts, (4) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four professional references that the search committee may contact, and (5) one-page summaries outlining their research, teaching visions and a diversity statement.
Application materials must be submitted through UGAJobs https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/252820 to be considered for this position. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Abhinav Mishra (amishra@uga.edu). The selected candidate will be required to submit to a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia. Review of applications will begin August 15, 2022, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F1236P

Working Title

Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Process Engineering

Department

CAES-Food Science & Technology

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Department of Food Science and Technology in Athens, Georgia occupies a three-story building on the south campus of the University of Georgia. It contains classrooms, teaching and research laboratories, pilot plants with food processing equipment, and a computer center for student use. A building addition allows for advanced food safety work and facilities for conducting food industry workshops. The department also has research facilities in Griffin, Georgia.

We offer programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. During the first two years of the food science bachelor’s program, students take courses in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physics, mathematics, and statistics, and then complete their work in food chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, product development and processing.

Food Science and Technology faculty have expertise in the basic sciences, food science, and food technology. Faculty members teach and serve as academic advisers to both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, faculty members conduct food science research to improve food quality and availability, enhance economic development, prevent food borne diseases, and improve process efficiency while limiting environmental impact.

The Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center and the Center for Food Safety are also located in Griffin. FoodPIC assists companies in developing new food products efficiently and economically. FoodPIC facilitates commercialization of food products by providing intellectual resources and physical facilities for both start-up ventures and existing food companies.

The Center for Food Safety was established in April 1993 with a mission of maintaining and improving the safety of foods through the development of methods that detect, control, or eliminate pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins.

College/Unit/Department website

https://foodscience.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Minorities & Females

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2023

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

04/15/2022

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Open Rank

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank (Tenure Track)

Contract Type

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status

Tenure Track or Tenured

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. in food, agricultural, bioprocess, chemical engineering or related field is required.

Additional Requirements

For the rank of Assistant Professor, candidates do not need a minimum number of years in a lower rank unless the initial appointment was at the instructor level ( https://provost.uga.edu/faculty-affairs/UGA_Guidelines_for_APT_approved_2_2020.pdf ). To be considered at the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must have at least 5 full years in rank at the Assistant Professor level before the start date. See Appointment, Promotion, & Tenure of Academic Rank Faculty . Discipline-specific criteria and procedures for promotion and tenure can be found at: https://provost.uga.edu/_resources/documents/food-science-and-technology-2018.pdf .

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

The individual in this position will be expected to achieve a record of scholarly activity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, successful extramural funding, success in teaching university-level courses and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. The candidate must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication competencies, interpersonal skills, and willingness to work in multidisciplinary teams. Expertise in food processing technologies and food engineering is a plus. Candidate must either demonstrate a track record (Associate Professor) or show a potential (Assistant Professor) to obtain external funding to support their research program.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of References with Contact Information
5. Other Documents #1

Optional Documents